... or, you can get two Fenix E12 1xAA flashlights. Same idea as my post above, one to give away lend to your unequipped friend and one to keep so your cellphone battery can be saved for calls.

I recently bought a fenix e20, a little cheaper and quite good. I also have several streamlight yellow aa polymer flashlights, about 21 each, and if I was going to be lending my flashlights out, that’s what I would choose.

I was looking at the E20 also which is $50.00 here and I have a $15.00 credit with MEC (equivalent Canadian store to REI in the USA) so it would bring the purchase down to $35.00

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5048-839/E20-Flashlight

I am also eyeing the LD22, which is $76.00 - $15.00 credit, makes it $51.00
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5046-349/LD22-Flashlight

Again, I am no flashlight geek and really just looking for what is the best for the dollar. For my simple needs, is a $76.00 flashlight all that much better then a $50.00 model?

Hey Teslin, before you buy, check your PM. I might have solutions in my surplus bin.

I EDC a Fenix TK22 among a whole lot of other stuff (1-2kg). Carry my stuff in a vest; Fjällräven Reporter vest.So there you have it, no need for bag.

Aren't you doing this the wrong way round? Most people have a need and then chose the solution.
You've decided on 2xAA solution before asking does it provide what you need?
qjs

As with most other things, you get what you pay for. Cheap flashlights will fail quickly, usually in the switch. I have gone through many cheap ones, just to try them out, looking for cost effectiveness. I always end up with a good one, which lasts. Fenix and Streamlight have served well and lasted.

That hasn't been my experience with flashlights. MAG-LITE is inexpensive and lasts for years, even the size the OP is asking. They don't have the features the OP is asking for either.

Jeanette Isabelle

I tend to agree with Montanero.
MAG-LITE flashlights may be inexpensive but they are not really cheap (I have seen flashlights for less than a quarter of the price of a MAG-LITE). The ruggedness of the MAG-LITE partly results from the lack of electronics.
My oldest MAG-LITE is about 30 years old. Despite the fact that it took quite a bit of punishment on hunting and fishing trips it still is in a very good condition.
The cheap flashlights I have seen often failed before the original set of batteries was depleted.

Logistics may be a part of the needs. With a plentyful supply of AA cells a device using those cells may be preferable.